Shantou Travel Guide

Shantou is situated in the southeastern corner of East Asia, on the west coast of the Pacific Ocean. Boarding on the South Sea, the city is one of the most important open-to-the-world harbors both in the Guangdong Province and in China.

As one of the five special economic zones of China, it uses its convenient geographic location to its advantage and has accepted many foreign investments.

It currently has economic relations with 165 countries. Over 50 multinational corporations and 11 of the world's top 500 enterprises have investments in the city, giving the city the seventh best rate of commerce among all cities in China.

Long coastal lines and a pleasant subtropical marine climate provide the city with many charming tourist attractions. Beautiful mountains, natural beaches, and exquisite islands, together with the marine scenery that surrounds the harbor, form a breathtaking environment that is especially attractive to those who want to escape the busy life. The locals use their rich seaside resources to set up many resort villages that provide sound facilities and services for the tourists. In addition, the Tropic of Cancer traverses the city, making it a wonderful place to feel the instant alternation of spring and summer in China. The Symbolic Tower of the Tropic of Cancer cannot be missed when travelling in the city.

Transportation in Shantou is quite efficient as it is easily accessible by land, sea, or air. Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport is located about 18 miles (29 kilometers) away from the center city of Shantou and is a hub for 20 schedule flights currently connecting with many cities both in China and other countries including Bangkok and Singapore. Chaoshan Railway Station and Shantou Railway Station connect the city with almost all big cities and tourism cities in China including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xiamen, and Fuzhou. Shantou Harbor has cargo ships that connect to over 210 harbors around the world. It also has passenger ships that sail to many of China's port cities, such as Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Hainan Island. Highways in the city are also well developed and provide easy access to Shenzhen and Xiamen. It takes only about three hours to reach either of these cities by long distance bus. Until nowadays, Shantou subway is not available. Subway line 1, line 2 and line 3 are expected to serve the public by 2020.

Shantou is one of the primary hometowns of Chinese who are living abroad. The local natives are scattered around the globe and can be found in over 40 regions and countries of the world. Those who have left the city often invest in their hometown and come back to work together with the locals. The exotic culture that they bring back to the city is then mixed with the traditional culture, forming a particular local flavor. The Chao music is well known for its dulcet melody, varying rhythms and peculiar instruments while the Chao opera is renowned for its beautiful aria and various playing roles.

The Chao cuisine is one branch of the famous Cantonese cuisines. Most of the dishes are cooked with seafood and various seasonings. They taste fresh, and are light but delicious. Enjoying a cup of Gongfu tea is also popular and has become one of the most welcomed forms of nightlife among the locals.

The hotel industry is flourishing there. You can easily find hotels and hostels of all standards throughout the city. Moreover, the rates are reasonable and relatively lower than other coastal cities in southern China. There are also various recreational places in the city. Malls, cinemas, restaurants, clubs, bars and coffee houses can be easily found everywhere in the city, which will certainly make your travel more interesting and convenient.

- Last modified on Jan. 17, 2019 -

Q & A Search:

Questions & Answers on Shantou Travel

Asked by kevin tan from SINGAPORE | Jan. 16, 2019 00:57Reply

International Tourism and Culture Festival in Shantou

Please advise specific dates in 2019 when this festival will be held?

Answers (1)

Answered by Emma from DENMARK | Jan. 17, 2019 18:40

00Reply

Well, I didn't find the latest information on the internet.

Asked by v trang from USA | Dec. 30, 2018 23:49Reply

bus between puning and shantou.

1-What local bus number is from Puning rail station to Puning people hospital on liusha w ave ?2-Where is the shuttle bus station if i want to go from Puning to Shantou ?

Answers (1)

Answered by Stella from RUSSIA | Jan. 07, 2019 23:15

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You can take the coach from Puning Liusha Coach Station to there directly. The bus schedules are from 06:40 to 19:00 at intervals of half an hour.

From Puning Railway Station to the hospital: Take bus no.Puning 9 to the hospital bus stop. Then walk north around 250 meters.

Asked by Alcan from MALAYSIA | Nov. 30, 2018 06:56Reply

Which bus station from Quanzhou to Yongchun, Fujian?

Answers (1)

Answered by Bambi from USA | Dec. 03, 2018 13:53

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It is Quanzhou passenger transport center station.

Asked by Alcan from MALAYSIA | Nov. 30, 2018 06:55Reply

How much time by airport shuttle from Jieyang Chaoshan airport to Chaoshan railway station?

Answers (1)

Answered by Vicos from FRANCE | Dec. 03, 2018 13:55

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It may be about 15 - 20 minutes.

Asked by siew hong teh from MALAYSIA | Oct. 27, 2018 06:12Reply

what is the best form of transport from shenzhen to shantou?

Answers (1)

Answered by Kent from UNITED KINGDOM | Oct. 29, 2018 01:50

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You are advised to take the bullet train from Shenzhen North Railway Station to Chaoshan Railway Station. The duration is about 2 - 2.5 hours and the ticket fare is CNY107 on a second class seat.

At the North Square of Chaoshan Railway Station, there are many buses to different places in Shantou and you can choose one depending on your destination.